Fresh Sound Foundation Inc
Fresh Sound Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1996, the foundation operates as a supporting organization to the Tides Foundation. The organization is designated as a 501(c)(3) public foundation and has been tax-exempt since April 1996.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$8.2M
+5.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
+23.6% YoY
Grant Count
41
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$27K
+23.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Fresh Sound Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $485K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation envisions "a world where all people have voice and power to participate, and our natural resources are vibrant and resilient."
The foundation focuses its grantmaking in two primary areas:
Arts & Culture — The foundation believes in the power of arts and culture to advance equity and justice in society. It supports artists and culture bearers as essential contributors to community engagement, celebrating difference, and advancing narrative change in support of democratic participation.
Environment & Climate Justice — The foundation supports equitable, science-based advocacy, policies, and solutions that improve people's lives, with particular emphasis on low-income communities and communities of color.
Grantmaking
Based on the most recent financial data available, the foundation distributed $910,000 in total giving. Annual revenues were reported at $921,594, with expenses of $935,551.
Ready to take the next step with Fresh Sound Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $7,779,391 (2024)
Total Giving: $910,000 (2024)
Annual Revenue: $921,594 (2022)
Annual Expenses: $935,551 (2022)
Total Assets: $7,445,016 (2020)
The foundation maintains no liabilities as of the most recent reporting period.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,206,880 | $7,779,391 | $7,657,068 |
| Revenue | $1,819,239 | $1,260,111 | $771,801 |
| Expenses | $1,370,311 | $1,139,283 | $978,492 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,224,799 | $1,008,375 | $817,869 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,704,790 | $1,007,052 | $568,810 |
| Distributable Amount | $484,992 | $498,451 | $507,141 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
138 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Ceres Inc ($75,000), Rockefeller Family Fund ($75,000), Union of Concerned Scientists ($75,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACADIA CENTER BOSTON, MA | ENVIRONMENTAL | $5,000 |
| ALL VOTING IS LOCAL WASHINGTON, DC | EDUCATIONAL | $45,000 |
| ALL VOTING IS LOCAL WASHINGTON, DC | EDUCATIONAL | $30,000 |
| AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SOCIETY FOR LAW WASHINGTON, DC | EDUCATIONAL | $40,000 |
| AMMONOOSUC CONSERVATION TRUST FRANCONIA, NH | ENVIRONMENTAL | $8,000 |
| BIG SKY YOUTH EMPOWERMENT BOZEMAN, MT | EDUCATIONAL | $10,000 |
| CERES INC BOSTON, MA | CHARITABLE | $25,000 |
| CERES INC BOSTON, MA | CHARITABLE | $25,000 |
| CERES INC BOSTON, MA | CHARITABLE | $75,000 |
| DEMOCRACY FORWARD FUND WASHINGTON, DC | EDUCATIONAL | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
John F. Burt — Principal Officer
The foundation is also led by Laurie Burt and Jeff Burt, as referenced in the foundation's sunset aspiration statement.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN F BURT | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| S JEFFREY BURT | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| LAURIE BURT | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced a sunset strategy with operations concluding in 2026-2027. Leadership has expressed commitment to deepening relationships with current partners during this final period, emphasizing a practice of philanthropy "rooted in joy" and grounded in the values of inclusion, generosity, and courage.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fresh Sound Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation envisions "a world where all people have voice and power to participate, and our natural resources are vibrant and resilient." The foundation focuses its grantmaking in two primary areas: **Arts & Culture** — The foundation believes in the power of arts and culture to advance equity and justice in society. It supports artists and culture bearers as essential contributors to community engagement, celebrating difference, and advancing narrative change in support of democratic parti…
How do I apply for a grant from Fresh Sound Foundation Inc?
Based on the most recent financial data available, the foundation distributed $910,000 in total giving. Annual revenues were reported at $921,594, with expenses of $935,551. The foundation has announced a sunset strategy for 2026-2027, indicating a planned conclusion to its operations. In this final chapter, the foundation emphasizes deepening commitment to its partners and providing "steadfast support that allows transformation to unfold."
What size grants does Fresh Sound Foundation Inc award?
In 2025, Fresh Sound Foundation Inc awarded 41 grants totaling $1.1M — an average of about $27K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Fresh Sound Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2025, Fresh Sound Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $485K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Fresh Sound Foundation Inc's EIN?
Fresh Sound Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 06-1428363. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fresh Sound Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Conservation Food and Health Foundation
BOSTON, MA
Assets
$14.6M
Grants
49
Total Given
$2.2M
Charles J Tasker Memorial Scholarship Fund
HANOVER, MA
Assets
$98K
Grants
1
Total Given
$8K
The Bulens Family Foundation
WELLESLEY, MA
Assets
$3.0M
Grants
68
Total Given
$956K
Marshall M & Barbara J Sloane Pvt Found
CHESTNUT HILL, MA
Assets
$1.2M
Grants
11
Total Given
$75K
John J Mcardle Iii & Joan C Mcardle
ANDOVER, MA
Assets
$1.8M
Grants
13
Total Given
$205K
Massachusetts Association of Realtors
FOXBOROUGH, MA
Assets
$18.1M
Grants
2
Total Given
$71K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Fresh Sound Foundation Inc on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Fresh Sound Foundation Inc to a real strategy.